The 34-year-old, West Jordan, Utah native joined the Army in February 2011, attended Basic Combat Training and U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in July 2011.

Gannon deployed to Afghanistan from March 2012 to August 2012.

"Spc. Gannon was an exceptional Paratrooper and an integral member of our team," Gannon's Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Praxitelis N. Vamvakias said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends; we will never forget him."

Gannon's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

Posthumously, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Army Good Conduct Medal.